B. Riley analyst Eric Wold says that while all five patents in the Netflix (NFLX) litigation being invalidated is a negative headline for Rovi (ROVI), the development is irrelevant to the company's upcoming contract renewals with Comcast (CMCSA), Time Warner Cable (TWC), DirecTV (DTV) and DISH (DISH). Wold believes Rovi shares are already pricing in a worst case scenario in the Netflix litigation and that the company will appeal the ruling. He recommends adding to Rovi positions on any further weakness and keeps a Buy rating on the name with a $29.50 price target.

Netflix said in its quarterly letter to investors: "We have built a hard to replicate combination of a strong slate, superior recommendations, broad reach and intense fandom, which drives healthy engagement on Netflix. Improvement in these key areas is the best way to delight our members and continue to grow our business." The company added: "Net cash generated by operating activities in Q1 was $2.2B and free cash flow totaled $2.1B (both flat with Q1'23). During the quarter, we paid down $400M of senior notes with cash on hand and we repurchased 3.6M shares for $2B. We finished the quarter with gross debt of $14B and cash and cash equivalents of $7B. We're still forecasting full year 2024 free cash flow of approximately $6B, assuming no material swings in F/X, and cash content spend of up to $17B."

Pre-earnings options volume in Netflix is 1.1x normal with calls leading puts 5:4. Implied volatility suggests the market is anticipating a move near 7.3%, or $44.89, after results are released. Median move over the past eight quarters is 9.6%.

Netflix (NFLX) is scheduled to report its first quarter 2024 financial results and business outlook on Thursday, April 18. A video interview... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here

Morgan Stanley named Comcast as the firm's "Top Pick in the Cable & Satellite" industry and notes that it remains the firm's only Overweight-rated name in the sector. Shares are now down 10% year-to-date despite a stable earnings outlook, says the analyst, who remains confident Comcast can grow broadband ARPU consistent with its historical 3%-4% range in 2024 and beyond. Moderating losses at Peacock and the opening of its new theme park Epic Universe in 2025 should also contribute to consolidated EBITDA growth, the analyst tells investors.